If you’re looking for an ideal summer vacation, California and Florida are two destinations that can’t be beat. Home to more than just beautiful beaches, these two states also feature some of the world’s best amusement parks. You can even find great deals right now on tours that include options to spend a day or more at Disneyland, Universal Studios and others. With the opening of the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this summer, it’s also one of the best times to visit. From thrilling roller coasters and world’s built from LEGOs to the magic of Harry Potter and phenomenal water parks, here are our top picks.

Best California Theme Parks

Trendy cities, beautiful beaches and close proximity to some of the world’s most beautiful national parks make California a must-see destination. No visit to this sunny state would be complete without a stop at one or more of these amazing theme parks.

Disneyland

The original Disney amusement park that started it all, Disneyland has been delighting kids and adults alike since it opened in 1955. Located in Anaheim, Orange County, this “happiest place on earth” features such classic rides as Space Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Carribean, It’s a Small World, the Matterhorn and Splash Mountain. Take a stroll down Main Street, U.S.A., visit Fantasyland and meet Disney characters such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Queen Elsa. This summer, the park also debuts its new themed land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Reservations required until June 24). Fly the Millenium Falcon, build your own lightsaber and interact with aliens from the famous Star Wars series.

Disneyland California Adventure Park

Located next door to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure Park can be visited with a separate ticket or as part of the Disneyland Park Hopper pass. Opened in 1995, this Disney sister park includes attractions that appeal to adults such as wine tasting at Mendocino Terrace. It’s also home to a number of kid-friendly rides including Cars Land’s Radiator Spring Racers, one of the most expensive theme park attractions ever built; the Incredicoaster, a fun boardwalk-style roller coaster; and Soarin’ Around the World, a thrilling ride which lets you hang glide over an IMAX projection of some of the world’s most beautiful places. Be sure to stay for the World of Color in the evening nd see a spectacular show of lasers, light, pyrotechnics and water at the Pixar Pier.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Home to original film sets for such iconic movies as Jaws, Psycho and Jurassic Park, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-see attraction for any movie buff. It also features fun motion simulator rides, live shows and 3D attractions. Harry Potter fans will delight in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™ where you can soar above Hogwarts, drink Butterbeer and buy a wand in Diagon Alley. Combine your visit to Universal Studios with a tour of nearby Hollywood attractions.

LEGOLAND

A popular favorite among children ages 2-12 years old, LEGOLAND is located about an hour from Los Angeles in Carlsbad. Kids will love the play areas, water park and aquarium. Adults will enjoy seeing LEGO creations of the Las Vegas strip and six scenes from Star Wars. Ride the Coastersaurus in Dino Land where you can be a Paleontologist for the day and dig out fossils. Go on the Safari Trek in DUPLO Village and find yourself up close and personal with life-size gorillas, elephants and giraffes all meticulously made from LEGO bricks. Learn how robots are made or build one yourself at LEGO MINDSTORMS. While here, be sure to take the factory tour to learn how these classic toys are created.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Although it humbly began as a berry farm and fruit stand in the 1920s, Knott’s Berry Farm has been a popular amusement park for decades. Discover ten amazing roller coasters including Ghost Rider, one of the longest, tallest and fastest wooden roller coasters on the West Coast. There are also fun rides for the whole family including the Calico River Rapids and the Timber Mountain Log Ride. Younger children will love Camp Snoopy where they can interact with live Peanuts characters. What sets Knott’s apart from other amusement parks is its reproduction of an Old West Ghost Town where you can pan for gold and interact with live cowboys. Knott’s is also famous for its fried chicken dinners and legendary boysenberry pie. Be sure to come hungry!

Best Florida Amusement Parks

With two coasts of beautiful beaches, Florida is a great destination for some fun in the sun. It’s also home to some of the world’s best theme parks. Here are just a few you won’t want to miss.

Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom

The most visited theme park in the world, this sister park to California’s Disneyland opened in 1971 and is the first of the Disney resorts in Florida. Located just outside Orlando, the sprawling Magic Kingdom features many of the same classic rides as California’s Disneyland including the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Carribbean. It’s also home to newer additions such as the Happily Ever After fireworks show and the Seven Dwarves Mine Train roller coaster. While here, be sure to see Mickey’s PhillarMagic, a 3-D tour of some of the best Disney movies, and The Muppets Present…Great Moments in American History.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

This Universal theme park is divided into five distinct islands, each offering some of the best attractions in Orlando. Universal’s Islands of Adventures is dedicated to heroes, myths and legends. Experience flying over Hogwarts on the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter island. Go on a river adventure on the Jurassic Park island. Journey through a creepy temple on Skull Island: Reign of Kong. In the Marvel Superhero Island there’s the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man; the Incredible Hulk coaster, Dr. Doom’s Fearfall and Storm Force Accelatron. Additionally, there are plenty of activities for younger kids on the Dr. Seuss-inspired Seuss Landing and classic cartoon area Toon Lagoon.

Volcano Bay

Another Universal attraction, the new Volcano Bay is a water park full of thrills and relaxation for kids and adults alike. Costing nearly $600 million to build, it is the priciest water park in the United States. The 200-foot Krakatau volcano is its main attraction and features waterfalls, a steep slide and a lava show. It also features the Krakatau water coaster which shoots a four-person canoe up the volcano using thrilling magnet technology. Perhaps the best feature though is the digital watchband reservation system which allows you to skip lines and enjoy relaxing at Waturi Beach and other areas of the park before your designated ride times.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Mixing magnificent rides with real life animals, this unique Disney park opened in 1998 and is the newest of the Disney World parks. Enjoy the thrilling Pandora – The World of Avatar which simulates a breathtaking flight over Pandora’s landscape. See displays featuring tigers, gibbons, gorillas and more. Or, take a safari through 110-acres featuring live elephants, giraffes and lions. One of the best things about this park is that it is dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered animals. Be sure to stay for the evening and enjoy the Rivers of Light special effects show.

Busch Gardens Tampa

A staple in Florida for over 60 years, Busch Gardens featured dozens of rides and attractions long before Disney ever broke ground here. Today, it’s still a great destination for thrilling rides, especially Falcon’s Fury–a 335-foot, face-down drop down a freestanding tower. Enjoy the steel roller coaster Cheetah Hunt, the inverted roller coaster Montu and the 200-foot tall floorless dive coaster Sheikra. In 2020, Busch Gardens will also premiere a new hybrid roller coaster which will be the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in North America. In addition to so many thrill rides, Busch Gardens also features the Serengeti Express, a relaxing train ride which takes you past free-roaming animals such as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, ostriches and more.

For more summer vacation ideas, visit tours4fun.com.